About Medjool Dates

The Medjool Date

The Caramel Naturel Medjool Date is the premier variety of date. Larger and sweeter than other date varieties, the chewy flesh of the fruit is delightfully moist and plump, and has a rich, sweet flavor that can be likened to caramel with a hint of cinnamon. No pesticides, additives, or preservatives are used in the cultivation or packaging of Caramel Naturel Medjool Dates, making it a completely natural and exceptionally healthy food. Fat and sodium free, the Caramel Naturel Medjool provides for a nutritious 100% vegan and gluten free product with satisfying flavor and incomparable nutritional value. The Caramel Naturel Medjool Date can be incorporated into a variety of culinary styles and dishes. It pairs well with savory, acidic, or other sweet flavor combinations. The Medjool is a versatile fruit; both wholesome and gourmet. It can be enjoyed at breakfast alongside a morning cup of coffee, as an energy boosting and satisfying snack throughout the day, or as a healthy alternative to dessert or late night cravings. ***For additional health benefits, please see Nutrition Information. ***For additional culinary inspiration and wine pairings, please see Recipes.

History of the Medjool Date

The Medjool date is considered the premiere variety of dates. Its larger size, chewy texture, and decadently sweet flavor have made the Medjool prized above others for millenniums. It is considered the oldest cultivated fruit, with evidence of its consumption by ancient cultures in the Middle East dating back to around 6,000 B.C. Historically, the fruit was highly coveted due to its difficult and labor-intensive cultivation. It was enjoyed exclusively by royalty and reserved for lavish celebrations, thus inspiring the titles “The King of Fruits” and “The Diamond of Fruits”. The first Medjool palms came to the United States in 1927, when Walter Swingle, an American horticulturist rescued nine offshoots from Moroccan crops then threatened by disease. Those nine offshoots were brought to California and planted in the Coachella Valley, where 75% of dates in the United States are now grown.

All Caramel Naturel dates grow in the Coachella Valley. And our Medjool crops are descended from the surviving Moroccan palms. Fortunately, Medjool dates have become more widely accessible in modern times by virtue of successful California farming and advances in technology that make cultivation more efficient. Their presence in California and in the U.S. over the last century has helped the fruit adapt itself more diversely into American culinary culture. Growing awareness of the Medjool’s incomparable nutritional content has commanded a more widespread demand as well. But as popular as the Medjool continues to become, it will always have the quality and the tradition of being special, exotic, and utterly delicious. *For culinary inspiration and wine pairings, please see Recipes. *For Health Benefits, please see Nutrition Information.

Nutrition Information

Ever increasingly, studies demonstrate that dates have a spectrum of healthy properties. In particular, the Medjool’s nutritional value has prompted researchers to regard it as an ideal or super food. Furthermore, no pesticides, additives, or preservatives are used in the cultivation or packaging of Caramel Naturel dates or date related products. All natural and nutrient rich, Caramel Naturel products are a popular choice for athletes and for individuals following certain dietary restrictions due to illness. They are also a delicious and satisfying way to indulge without compromise to a healthy diet. Read on to see how anyone can support a healthy lifestyle by incorporating Caramel Naturel dates into their diet.

Heart Healthy

Fat, Sodium, and Cholesterol Free

Caramel Naturel dates and date products contain no saturated or trans-saturated fats, no sodium, and are naturally cholesterol free. Studies suggest that a diet low in fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. In addition, diets low in sodium may also help reduce high blood pressure.

Support Energy Levels and Muscle Function

Potassium Packed

Dates are best known as one of the most potent natural sources of potassium. Caramel Naturel Medjools contain a higher content ratio of potassium than bananas, even. Potassium is the mineral essential to the body in maintaining healthy muscle contraction including vital heart muscle function. Potassium has also been shown to be a contributor in maintaining a healthy nervous system. Furthermore, potassium aids in balancing sodium levels in the body while encouraging the stable release of energy from proteins, fat, and carbohydrates. This is why potassium helps sustain an individual’s energy levels over time.

Support Bone Health

Rich in Minerals

In addition to high levels of potassium, Caramel Naturel Medjools contain other minerals like calcium and magnesium, both essential in the support of healthy bones and joints. Medjool dates also include impressive amounts of iron, nearly 1/3 of the Recommended Dietary Allowance needed to promote red blood cell development.

Promote Healthy Digestion and Weight Loss

High in Dietary Fibers

Caramel Naturel Medjool dates are a great source of dietary fiber, an important aid in healthy digestion. Our dates are delicious and sweet due to their naturally occurring sugars, yet remain low on the glycemic index because the sugars are balanced by high natural fiber content. The combination of these factors makes our dates extremely helpful in terms of healthy digestive function and maintaining or losing weight. Fiber is proven to not only support healthy digestion, but also to help you feel fuller longer. In addition, our Medjool date is a healthy carbohydrate that because it is also high in fiber, can keep blood sugar stable, help sustain energy, and manage hunger. Also, studies increasingly suggest that a high fiber diet may reduce the risk of some types of cancer. The benefits of high natural fiber intake are extraordinary, and Caramel Naturel dates are a delicious way to capture those benefits.

Replenish and Prevent

Full of Vitamins

The Caramel Naturel Medjool date is packed with vitamins like A, K and different B-complex. It also includes: Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B-6, Folate, and Pantothenic acid. This long list of vitamins delivers nutrients that benefit various healthy body functions including:

The immune system

Eye health

Red blood cell production

Heart health

Brain and nerve function

Converting food into energy

Healthy skin, hair, and nails

Rich in Antioxidants

Our dates are an excellent source of antioxidants, known to prevent free radical damage. Specifically, recent studies have shown Medjool dates to be very dense with anti-oxidants known as polyphenols. Polyphenols are now understood to be particularly effective at protecting against cancer and heart disease. Higher concentrations of polyphenols are found in fruits produced in hot, sunny climates, like the Caramel Naturel Medjool date. Grown in the California sun, our Medjools are hand picked when they’re most ripe, healthy, and flavorful.

Diet and Nutritional Program Trends

Caramel Naturel dates and date products are an excellent choice for individuals following various popular diets and nutritional programs. They are “0” points on the Weight Watcher’s diet and are a 1:1 ratio fruit serving on the Jenny Craig program. They are also appropriate for anyone adhering to the Paleo diet, as natural fruit intake is encouraged. Atkins and South Beach diet subscribers are allowed dates because they are a healthy carbohydrate and are low on the glycemic index.

Consumer Handling

In comparison to most produce, Caramel Naturel dates have an exceptionally long shelf life when stored properly. Your Caramel Naturel dates and date products will keep in the package provided for up to one month on your countertop.

Although they need not be refrigerated, you may prefer to do so for extended shelf life. We recommend that you store your fruit in an airtight container to prevent drying. Doing so will help them stay plump and juicy for up to four months in your refrigerator. If your refrigerated dates experience any drying, you may restore moisture to them by placing a slice of apple in the container. Caramel Naturel dates can also be re-hydrated by a short soak in tepid water or any other desired cooking liquid.

Dates will sometimes form sugar crystals under their skin. This will not affect the flavor, but can be remedied for the sake of aesthetics by gentle heating. Placing them in the microwave for a few seconds or on a baking sheet in a warm oven for about ten minutes will dissolve the crystallized sugar and restore the deep color.

You may also store Caramel Naturel products in an airtight container in your freezer for up to one year. When properly wrapped, freezing dates will not cause any loss in quality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Caramel Naturel dates a product of the U.S.A.?Yes, all of our dates are grown in the U.S.A., in the Coachella Valley region of California. Many date companies cannot promise a U.S. product because they have growers in Mexico that provide much of their yearly crop. We are a single grower with crops located in a single region of California and the U.S.A. We are therefore able to cultivate consistently high quality fruit.

Are all Fresh Energy dates California Grown?Yes, all of our dates are grown exclusively in the Coachella Valley region of California, where the original Medjool palms were transported from Morocco. Due to the special climate and rich soil, date palms have found their ideal growing conditions here.

Are Caramel Naturel products certified Kosher?Yes, Fresh Energy dates and date products are certified Kosher. You can view our certification here.
How do I store my dates?
Your dates will keep for up to one month on your counter top in the package provided.

Do I have to refrigerate my dates?No, you do not have to refrigerate your dates. However, you may store them in your refrigerator in an airtight container for longer shelf life. This will help them last up to four months.

Can I freeze my dates?Yes, absolutely, you can freeze your dates. But they must be properly packaged. Tightly wrapped in an airtight container, Caramel Naturel dates will last up to one year. Freezing will cause no loss in quality.

Are your products appropriate for a low-sodium diet?Yes, dates are sodium free and are therefore a great addition to your diet.

What is the light coloring that I’m beginning to see under the skin of my dates?
What you are seeing is the crystallization of sugar under the skin. This does not change the flavor, but it does mean that your dates are maturing. You will want to either consume them soon, or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. To restore the appearance of the dates, simply microwave them for a few seconds or place them on a baking sheet in a warm oven for about ten minutes. The gentle heat will melt the sugar crystals under the skin.